Vernon Ray Axtell was born on July 8, 1922, to Albert and Elta (Ervin) Axtell. He grew up in the farming community of Anton near Akron, Colorado. He was the youngest of 6 children, all of whom have preceded him in death. His siblings were Leonard, Alfred, Ralph, Manley and Alice.
Shortly after graduating from Lindon High School, where he excelled in sports, he joined the U.S. Army during World War II. After basic training in California he was sent to France shortly after the D-day invasion and earned five Battle Stars while he served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
After the war was over, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Helen McPeak. They settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, as Vern wanted to live near the two brothers he had living there. He worked at the Interstate Brick Company. Their two sons and one daughter were born while Vern and Helen were living in Utah. That is also where Vern accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Vernon always strived to live a life pleasing to the Lord. He was always a devoted and loving husband and father.
After living in Salt Lake City for 23 years, he and Helen decided to move back to Colorado and settled in Broomfield. He worked at Rocky Flats for nearly 18 years. After retirement he enjoyed sports again - Senior softball games, pitching horseshoes, bowling, as well as traveling to visit all 50 states and revisiting Europe, seeing many of the places where he was stationed during the war. He was a member of the Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Broomfield.
Vernon passed away on September 23, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen, and his three children: Alan (wife Jean), Vaughn (wife Joyce) and daughter, Laureen. Four grandchildren: Brian Axtell (wife Jamie Jo), Elizabeth Duncan (husband Cliff), Rebecca Burda (husband Joey), Sara Cummins (husband Brian). And seven great-grandchildren: Clay Axtell, Corbin and Logan Duncan, Hope and Presley Burda, Reid and Grant Cummins.
Interment will take place Friday, September 27 at 11:00 AM, at the Akron Cemetery in Akron, Colorado. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 28 at 2:00 PM, at Calvary Evangelical Free Church, 12700 Sheridan Blvd., Broomfield, CO 80020.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to any organization benefitting Colorado flood victims, or to a charity of your choice.
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